Kerry Washington teamed up with this nonprofit to help make sure that all families have access to diapers

When we think of diapers, “luxury item” isn’t generally the first term that comes to mind — but for too many families, that’s exactly what they are. In fact, a staggering one in three American families has to choose between buying food and buying diapers. That’s why actress and activist Kerry Washington has teamed up with the nonprofit Baby2Baby and attn: to raise awareness about the shocking impact this has on low income families — and what we can do to help.

In a new must-watch video, Washington, along with Baby2Baby co-presidents Kelly Sawyer Patricof and Norah Weinstein, explains that many families are paying up to 14% of their income on diapers alone.

In addition to this massive hit to their bank accounts, it also limits a mother’s ability to reenter the workforce or go back to school.

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Diapers are currently taxed as a “luxury item” in 38 states, and they’re not covered by food stamps or included in federal and state programs.

As if all of this isn’t disturbing enough, low-income families end up spending approximately twice as much money on diapers as affluent families. This is mainly because they can’t afford to buy in bulk, or they don’t have the transportation access that allows them to buy in bulk.

That’s where Baby2Baby comes in.

The organization has distributed over 13 million diapers to low income families.

Last March, they partnered with President Barack Obama to form an initiative that pledged to tackle the diaper gap. Along with its celebrity ambassadors and influencers, the organization is spreading the word about this issue and what we can do to help.

If you’d like to learn more about this incredibly important cause or make a donation, please visit Baby2Baby’s official website.